Avram Grant believes Andre Villas-Boas has the ability to succeed at Chelsea

Europa League: Andre Villas-Boas, FC Porto

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Andre Villas-Boas has been backed to succeed at Chelsea by former Stamford Bridge manager Avram Grant.

The 33-year-old left Porto – where he won the treble with in his first year at the club last season – after Chelsea paid the release clause in his contract to land the Portuguese coach.

Grant was manager the London club for the majority of the 2007-08 season after Jose Mourinho’s abrupt departure and thinks Villas-Boas has the potential to thrive in the Premier League.

The Israeli told BBC Radio 5 Live: “He is a very nice guy, he is intelligent, a nice person and I enjoyed being with him – even if it was for only a short time.

“Does he have the experience? No. But the authority? Time will say. I think yes.

“I know he is young, but Pep Guardiola when he went to Barcelona was young, without experience and he did a great job.

“Football is a game of results, experience is important but more important is the quality and the authority to take a team and move it forwards.”

Grant followed his Premier League managerial career with stints at financially-stricken Portsmouth and West Ham, suffering relegation with both teams.

The 56-year-old took Chelsea closer to winning the Champions League than any other manager has under current Stamford Bridge owner Roman Abramovich, losing to Manchester United in the final on penalties.

The Russian has a renowned short-fuse when it comes to achieving success, as evidenced by his firing of Carlo Ancelotti after a campaign without silverware despite the Italian’s successful prior season.

“Roman is a guy who says he wants results, and he gives you everything to achieve the results,” said Grant.

“He wants it as quick as you can, and you can expect it because he has put a lot of money in.

“At the end of the day, football is a game of results, especially at Chelsea.”